The Enabling Power of the Atonement

Area: Serenada
Companion: Sister Melissa Rowley

Hello there!

Right now I'm on Elder Adair's ipad. (Elder and Sister Adair are the Senior couple who live in our apartment complex. We do laundry at their place.) So I'll have to send pictures next week. Sorry this update is going to be kind of short, it's hard to type on an ipad, and the library is closed today.

I've been pondering about the enabling power of the Atonement, and how much the Lord turns us into instruments in his hands when we truly give our whole hearts. I know with all my heart, and with all that I am, that the Savior turns weaknesses into strengths. He succors us in our times of need, and carries us through our lives. I have a personal witness that this is true. I would not be here if it wasn't. I remember before my mission when I would practice teaching the Restoration in family home evening, and struggling to explain it clearly. I'd known about this my whole life, but when called upon to teach it, I felt like my tongue was stuck in my mouth, and my words were rough and rocky. A couple months before leaving for my mission, I received a Father's blessing. I was blessed that in time, I would be able to teach the message of the Restoration with power. That brought great comfort, and truly has come. And is still developing. Yesterday I had a humbling experience that confirmed this to me. We were having dinner with a family in our ward, and doing a "demonstration" of how we would teach the Restoration to some investigators. We told them to pretend that they had never heard this before. It was really neat. The spirit was very strong as Sister Rowley and I followed the spirit in teaching with unity. The most powerful part for me was when I bore testimony of the first vision, and quoted Joseph Smith directly. Before, the younger boys were being kind of silly and asking some of those hard questions that people ask sometimes, but when I started quoting Joseph Smith, everyone was silent. The parents had tears in their eyes and the power we could all feel in that room was undeniable. There was about a 5 second pause after. I will never forget that feeling. Looking back, I can see how that promise given to me is being fulfilled. Not only in myself, but in my companions as well. D&C 121:45 says,

"...let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall they confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from Heaven."

As virtue becomes a part of who we are, our confidence grows, and our understanding of the doctrines of the gospel "distill upon our souls".

I had a great birthday! I've mentioned before that our area is HUGE. We drove a ways out to do some work in a small town. We met a few people, and even stopped a guy on his lawn mower. Sister Rowley and I have been working on being more bold. It was a beautiful day, and the Adair's took us out to get ice cream. We had dinner with the Daniel's, who graciously took a picture of us and sent it.

Sister Rowley and Sister Record

I love you all! Again, sorry this is short. More to come next week.

Love,
Sister Record

Happy Birthday, Sister Record!

Area: Serenada
Companion: Sister Melissa Rowley

Sister Record celebrated her twentieth birthday yesterday on the 13th. We are grateful for this picture sent by members caring for them.

Sister Rowley and Sister Record

God is Aware

Area: Serenada
Companion: Sister Melissa Rowley

Good afternoon!

This week has been miraculous. Ready for an awesome story? On Tuesday we met a potential investigator named {K} who was a little apprehensive, but listened and let us pray with her. She never let us in, but we were able to set up a return appointment with her for Thursday. On Wednesday we met a couple {Couple 1} outside an apartment complex on the same street. We got to talking to them, and they were nice, but didn't seem very committed to anything. When we asked if we could share more with their family they said sure, but would only give us their phone number, no address. We just kind of forgot about them because they showed little interest. When we went back to {K}'s on Thursday, she decided she wasn't interested and gave us some of her pamphlets. She asked us not to come back. A bit of a bummer, but we had a backup. There was another potential investigator who lived in the apartment complex. As we were walking up the stairs to this woman's apartment, lo and behold, right next door this couple, {Couple 1} walked out. They were directly in front of us. So we started talking to them and ended up teaching them about the Book of Mormon. It was AMAZING!! He, in particular, was really excited about the Book of Mormon, and they both committed to read it. We testified of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and told them of God's love for them. We told them that God is aware of them, and that's why He sent us to them. We didn't even know where they lived! The very moment we were walking up the stairs they were leaving their apartment. What a miracle.

We started teaching a woman named {L}. One of the members in our ward invited us to do a service project at her house. Her friend {L} was there helping as well. She introduced her to us. She has been through a lot. She's had a rough life. She's searching for truth. I've never met someone so hungry for the gospel. She has such a desire to learn. She was really excited when we gave her the Book of Mormon. And when we had a lesson with her 4 days later, she had already read all the way up to 1 Nephi chapter 10! She came to church this Sunday. She was sitting with another Sister in the ward. The people in the ward enveloped her. She was out of our hands on Sunday, which felt really weird, but was so good because she was able to meet and feel the love of others. I was watching her most of the time. She listened really intently and would turn to the Sister she was sitting with to ask questions every now and then. I've been praying to find people who are ready to be baptized. And she may very well be the one. We are so thrilled to be teaching her.

Sister Rowley and I had the privilege of teaching the Young Women's class on Sunday. It was such a beautiful experience. I love Young Women's. We basically taught how to teach The Plan of Salvation. We did a demonstration with the pamphlet we use and gave each of them one. We had them act as investigators, and us as the missionaries. We discussed how we would handle certain situations. Then we had them do it. They role played teaching a principle from The Plan of Salvation with the person next to them. It was a great learning opportunity.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's kingdom on the Earth. It is true, and it was restored through a young boy, a prophet. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. We are God's children. He is our Father. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sincerely,
Sister Record

P.S. It's crazy to think I'll be 20! I specifically remember sitting at the table the day of my 10th birthday. Dad had told me earlier that I was a decade old. I was holding the new stuffed dog and a pink purse that I had received, and was amazed that I was a decade old. I mused about it for some time. I thought about how someday I would be two decades old. That seemed like FOREVER away. Now, here I am turning two decades old this week. Whoa... Just think, someday I'll be three decades old. But that is FOREVER away. Or is it? WEIRD!!! Love y'all!

A Great Week!

Area: Serenada
Companion: Sister Melissa Rowley

Hello!

It's been a great week! I'm amazed at the trust the Lord has placed in us to carry out this assignment of doubling in. Doubling in is also referred to as a "white wash". It is no easy task, but the Lord has asked us to do this and I know that he provides a way for us to accomplish everything he asks us to do. It's interesting to observe the reactions of the ward. They are thrilled. I just feel like a normal missionary. It's humbling to see the ward responding with such gratitude and praise for both the previous missionaries, and for us. We were without a car for 5 days, which isn't bad at all. We got rides from members, who responded so readily. We had people signed up right off the bat.

One evening we had a young mom from the ward driving us. She's pregnant, and by the end of the evening she had to use the restroom. She had been staying in the car when we stopped by people, but when we got to {A}'s home, a potential investigator whom we had never met, this lovely Sister who was driving us had no fear. She came up to the door with us, and after we introduced ourselves she asked if she could come in and use her restroom. I was slightly apprehensive at first, but that is exactly what got us in. After that, {A} let us right in. She had two children herself, so she totally understood and was so kind. She's real funny. We were able to talk with her, get to know her a little, and share a brief message about the Book of Mormon. We left a copy with her and invited her to read it. People are very kind, and often ready to help. I'm convinced that she would not have let us in or listened to us if it weren't for this Sister in the ward. God truly does work in mysterious ways. Who would have thought?

There is a huge retirement community in our area called Sun City. So there are a lot of elderly people. It's awesome. We need to adjust out teaching style a little bit for them, because they love to talk. It's fantastic. We're really enjoying it. I've never seen a retirement community before so it was a little strange to me at first. I've really come to love it. I love this area so much. I am in love with everything about it. It's beautiful, and the people are amazing.

We're teaching an amazing woman named {R}. Her husband is a member who was less-active for many years, and she is not a member. She loves making soap and jewelry. The first day we met her she gave us a whole bunch of stuff that she had made. She's one of those people that I meet and just know that I was supposed to meet her. We look forward to when she finally accepts the invitation to be baptized. She's really close. They've been coming to all three hours of church for the past several weeks.

On Saturday we had the sacred privilege of meeting Elder Russell M. Nelson of the quorum of the twelve apostles. When he arrived, we stood and he asked that we all come forward and shake his hand individually. In an orderly fashion, we each had the opportunity to look into his eyes, and shake his hand. The feeling of shaking his hand is something I will never forget. The spirit radiates in him. I felt a rush of emotion as I looked into his face and saw the image of Christ engraven in his countenance. It was truly special to have that one-on-one opportunity. I was close to the front, so I watched him the majority of the time. He leans forward in his seat and listens very intently to whoever is speaking or singing. Each person who participates whether it be a prayer, a musical number, or speaking, he would shake their hand and genuinely thank them as they walked away. I know that the apostles have been called of God as special witnesses of Christ.

That evening was a spiritual feast. President and Sister Slaughter spoke, President Spinlove, a stake President, spoke at Elder Nelson's request, Elder Wright, and Elder Foster of the seventy also briefly addressed us. Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke for the majority of the time. His words were invaluable. He often refers to the Abrahamic Covenant. He spoke of many gospel truths. I would have to look back at my study journal to recall the specifics. One thing that really stood out to me is when he talked about how God uses the unlikely to accomplish his great purposes. It was good to be reminded that all things are possible through him. Even leading out an area that we're both brand new to. I am so grateful for this unforgettable day to meet a prophet of God.

I'm so glad to be serving a mission!

I love y'all.

Lorielle, I can't wait to use the word y'all with you. It's really become a part of my vocabulary. :)

Have a wonderfully, magically, stupendously great day!

All in.

Sincerely,
Sister Record

Pictures

Ha ha! When Sister Sadie Johnson and I were on exchanges (several weeks ago), a member brought dinner to us. We put that garlic bread in the oven and forgot about it. We came home and remembered as soon as we walked in because the apartment smelled weird. It was really funny. There wasn't any smoke like we thought there would be, everything was fine. We had to take some pictures. It's supposed to be white....

Sister Johnson and Sister Record with blackened bread

Sister Record and Sister Johnson. Blacked garlic bread.

Sister Record and Sister Johnson

Sister Record having a very serious conversation with this knight at the Mercado on P-day. :)

Knight with Sister Record

Goodbyes to Sister Foster.

Sister Record and Sister Foster

Sister Record and Sister Foster being silly

On our way to Austin! Hermana Anguilo and I came out together. We're destined to be travelling buddies. :)

Sister Rowley, Hermana Anguilo and Sister Record

Sister Record in her new area

Here are some pictures of us cleaning our apartment. It was a moment we had to capture.

Sister Melissa Rowley

Sister Record and Sister Rowley cleaning

P.S. Sometimes I struggle taking selfies. Ha ha.

 

A map showing several cities within Sister Record's area. It's about 19 miles from Georgetown to Florence.

A Parent Trap Moment

Area: Serenada
Companion: Sister Melissa Rowley

Good Afternoon!

I have been so excited to email y'all since transfers. I am in the Serenada ward. Transfer day was awesome, but totally exhausting. I was surprised to find out that I was going to Austin. Me, along with some other missionaries would be heading to Austin where we would do another transfer meeting to find out who our new companion is and where our new area is. It was about an hour and 45 minute drive. Sister Rowley, and I drove together on the way up, not knowing we would be companions. It was exciting to find out we were companions! We went on exchanges with each other a few weeks ago and were in the same district. This area is sooo different than Converse. I am in love with the homes. It's a very rural area with A LOT of deer. More deer than I've ever seen in my life. I was somewhat puzzled by that because I thought deer only lived in the mountains. Ha ha! The ward is incredible! We have a fantastic ward council, and the people are so supportive and missionary oriented. Sister Rowley and I were doubled in [meaning they are both new to the area] to an Elders area. Elders have served here for over 10 years. The ward is thrilled to have Sister's.

Now for some news that is going to blow you away!! I've been so excited to tell y'all. At the end of Thursday night, I was curious and asked Sister Rowley what her Dad's name is... Her Dad is Lin Rowley. I asked her if he has a brother named Ty, and he does! Her Dad is Mom's cousin! I was super excited when she said that. I was like, "No way!" I couldn't get over it. I just couldn't stop asking her things specific to the Rowley's. We both just laughed and showed each other pictures. Her and I are second cousins! At one point I commented that this is like a parent trap moment. All our stuff was everywhere. The living room was a mess. We've been doubled in and don't know anyone or anything about the area, and we showed each other pictures. She said that all we needed was peanut butter oreos. I can't believe we've lived so close to each other for so long and have never known each other until we came on our mission. We would never have known if we weren't companions! Her name is Melissa, she's 22 and graduated from college, but decided to come on a mission. I also found out yesterday that she wrote "Knights of the Right". THIS IS SO AWESOME!! Sister Rowley is very humble and a fantastic missionary. She's been out for 3 months. She just finished training. I feel such a connection with her. We're not only family, but close family! :D What a blessing to have her as my companion and to be doubled in with her, of all people.

Sister Melissa Rowley and Sister Annelise Record

Coming into an area after Elders is interesting... We have a lot of work to do. Nothing is organized, we don't have a map, and the apartment is pretty gross. But hey, it's part of the adventure. The Elders really have done some amazing work. I'm really grateful for the path they have paved for us. But yes, we have some work to do....

Going to church on Sunday was a delight. I'm telling you, the members are smothering us with love. Ha ha.. A focus that Sister Rowley and I are going to have is working with the members. We are really striving to have inspirational visits with them and gain their trust so that we can really work side by side with them. We want to do a lot of referral teaching. In the Book of Mormon we read of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies (see Alma 23-27). After they were converted, and after the first battle where the Lamanites slayed so many of them, they were again in danger of the Lamanites coming to slay them. Ammon, the Nephite missionary, suggested to the king that they come with him to the land of Nephi and join the people there. The kind of initially hesitant, but after receiving confirmation from the Lord, said they would go and be their slaves. Ammon told him that being their slaves was not necessary. They journeyed over to the land of Nephi. The Anti-Nephi Lehies stayed outside of the borders of the land, while Ammon and his brethren went in and told them of the conversion of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. He told them of the covenant they made not to take up arms against anyone and how they were in danger of being slain. He asked them if they could come in and join the people of Nephi. The Nephites responded readily. They were very open and welcoming. They provided a place for them to inherit, the land of Jershon. It was in between two lands that would provide safety. Not only that, but the Nephites were willing to defend them. They set their armies around the land of Jershon to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies so that they would not have to break the covenant they had made. This sounds like a very good ward to me. A ward that takes in these recent converts and strengthens them. They provided a place of refuge and safety, and they were full of love for them and the covenant they had made. Years later The Zoramites, who were less active, are taught by Alma, Ammon, and their brethren. The Zoramites had fallen away, but those who believed and desired to return, retreated to the land of Jershon. It is my hope, that each ward can be a land of Jershon. A place of refuge for every soul seeking to make and keep sacred covenants.

I also want to say, that I am so grateful for the time I've had to spend with Sister Foster. I have learned so much from her.

It is an amazing experience to serve a full time mission. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so grateful to be here. I'm grateful for the trust the Lord has given me to lead out an area that we're both brand new to. I definitely could not have handled that earlier in my mission. It's hard work, but miracles are happening. As we continue to get our bearings, I know that miracles are going to happen this transfer. Miracles have already happened this transfer. Thanks for all y'alls support and love.

I love you so much. But I love the Savior more.

All in.

Sincerely,
Sister Record

Transferred to Georgetown, TX

Area: Serenada (Georgetown, TX)
Companion: Sister Melissa Rowley

We found out from a member in the area that Sister Record has been transferred to Georgetown, TX and will be serving in the Serenada Ward. Her new companion is Sister Rowley. Sister Record's mother's maiden name is Rowley. It is highly probable they are cousins. We will find out more on Monday.

Sister Rowley and Sister Record

Adventures on the Texas Horizon

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Victoria Foster

We got transfer calls yesterday! And guess what? It's finally happening. I'm being transferred. That's not all though, I'm being doubled in. Meaning, my new companion and I will both be brand new to the area. I'll still be senior companion. My guess is that what ever area I'm going to is currently an Elders area and they're switching it to Sisters. It could be anything though. We shall see on Thursday. I really look forward to this adventurous learning opportunity! :)

Last week we ran into a man who was walking down the street. He was a ways away, so we had walk up to him. He ended up being fairly open. He really didn't know a lot about Jesus Christ or Heavenly Father. He believed in a higher power, but hadn't given it much thought. We were able to teach him a little about how God is our loving Heavenly Father and who Jesus Christ is. At the end, we invited him to pray. He had never really prayed before, but he offered one of the most beautiful prayers I've ever heard. It was so simple. One of the things he said really stuck out to me. He said something like, "we are just seeking truth." The spirit was really powerful. I then pulled out a Book of Mormon and told him, "You said you're seeking truth. Here it is." There was about 10 seconds of silence. The Holy Ghost was testifying to him that right in front of his eyes was the truth he had been seeking. Wow... I know the Book of Mormon is true! It's moments like that where I cannot deny of it's power and my testimony of it is strengthened even more. That day was really cold, but in that moment of eternity, we barely even noticed. The warmth of the gospel was flaming within our hearts. We testified that what he was holding in his hands was truth, and that he would gain strength and answers to questions he's had all his life, by sincerely reading it. We invited him to read and pray, and he committed to. Hopefully we'll be seeing him again soon.

I remember being in the MTC and wondering how in the world I would be able to talk to people, and teach them the message of the restoration smoothly. I wanted my words to be smooth as sand, but they felt rough and rocky. Our last day at the MTC, the Elders had already left for Georgia, and each of the Sister's received a priesthood blessing from our teacher. Recently I looked back on some thoughts I wrote down from that. One thing that I was blessed with was that I would be able to speak like I've never spoken before. I was told again and again not to be afraid, to open my mouth, and to have faith in my Savior. I am truly humbled to see that the Savior has enabled me to speak as I've never spoken before and to teach with the spirit and with power. I know, and have a personal witness, that the Savior makes weaknesses strengths, that this is HIS work, and we are a part of it. The person I am becoming is only through the grace, mercy, and love of my Savior. I could not accomplish what he asks of me without his help. I have watched, as my companions and I have been given courage to open our mouths, and miracles happen. In 2 Nephi 32, we're promised the tongue of Angels. What a glorious thing to be a witness of.

One of my new favorite scriptures is Alma 26:22. We've been sharing it a lot lately with members. It says,

"Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing- unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed, yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance..."

What is that scripture saying? Those who repent, exercise faith, do good works, and pray continually will be instruments in bringing thousands of souls to repentance. "Thousands", initially seems like a daunting number, doesn't it? But think of it. When we are living in this way, others see our example. And whether we know it or not, our light has impacted them in some way. In turn that affects that persons children, grandchildren, and others around them. Then we think of all our friends and acquaintances. The Lord wants us to share his light and to shine forth. In fact, he has commanded us to (See Matthew 5:14-16). By turning ourselves to him, he makes us instruments in his hands to bring thousands of souls unto repentance. It is the way we live our lives, the quiet, humble acts of service, the private prayer of faith, the courage to stand for truth always, especially when others back down. What a wonderful opportunity to be on Earth at this time, and to be a part of this magnificent work. Everyone has a part to play.

Yesterday in Relief Society someone made a comment that we learn to pray at our Mother's knee. That brought tears to my eyes and reminds me of the song, "Love is Spoken Here" I've quoted it before, but I want to quote it again because it means so much to me.

"I see my Mother kneeling with my family each day. I hear the words she whispers, as she bows her head to pray. Her plea to the Father quiets all my fears. And I am thankful, love is spoken here.
"Mine is a home where every hour is blessed by the strength of priesthood power. With Father and Mother leading the way, teaching me how to trust and obey. And the things they teach are crystal clear, for love is spoken here."

Those are the words of my heart. I know that the family is ordained of God. And that we are meant to live together forever. I am grateful that my parents have taught me how to love.

I feel so blessed to be here. And look forward to sharing stories of the adventures, miracles, and growth that will come from a new area and being doubled in. :) I love all y'all so much. But I love the Savior more.

All in.

Sincerely,
Sister Record